Highlights of the Corfu Trail Self Guided Walk

After arrival on Corfu Airport you will be transferred to your hotel in the village Messonghi located on the east coast of Corfu, 19km south of Corfu town. Messonghi is a quiet former fishing village with a lovely sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere.

A taxi takes you to the start of the walk on Issos Beach on the western side of Corfu near the Korission Lagoon. This lagoon may bring to mind scenes from the James Bond movie ‘For Your Eyes Only’. The coastal area is a haven for wildlife. You will see a lot of juniper as well. In the spring and autumn you may see many different species of birds, such as egrets and kingfishers. In the saltwater lake are terrapins (small turtles) as well. From the lake you head back to the east coast via Chlomatiana walking uphill along olive groves and vineyards. In Chlomatiana there is a lovely restaurant ‘Archontiko’ from which you have terrific views over the sea. There follows a pleasant descent through olive groves back to Messonghi. 16km/10mi, +175m/574ft, -180m/590ft

From Messonghi take the public bus to the coastal town of Benitses for approximately 20 minutes. From here you ascend through a nice, shady forested area. You come across historic irrigation waterworks dating back to the 19th century and built by the British at that time. Through lush green olive groves you ascend to the village Agioi Deka where you can top up your water bottle with fresh spring water. Via rural country roads you descend to Pikantika and Achilleio, two picturesque villages. Later ascend to the lovely view point at the church of Agia Kyriaki. From here you descend steeply through dense forest to Benitses. You may relax in one of the numerous cafes in the old town square before taking the bus back to Messonghi. 15km/9.3mi, +-600m/1968ft

We transfer you in the morning by taxi to Stroggili where you join the Corfu Trail. A pleasant footpath takes you onto the slopes of Agioi Deka, the second highest peak of Corfu (676m). You follow historic mule tracks past traditional mountain villages and a beautiful monastery. Once you reach Sinarades take a bus to Corfu Town. Your hotel is located in the old town of Corfu, a world heritage site. 17km/10mi, +785m/2575ft, -705m/2313ft

A day in Corfu town gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy this historic city on foot. You will explore picturesque paths, colourful and charming alleys, admire the architecture seemingly influenced by the Venetians and you may visit the dominating 16th century fortress. There is a very interesting archaeological museum as well and dining possibilities are excellent.

From your hotel in Corfu town you will be transferred to Rekini, where you begin your walk along the foot of the Pantokrator Mountains in Northern Corfu. Following the Corfu Trail once more, you walk through an area of Corfu that time seems to have forgotten. Quiet cobbled trails, sleepy villages like Sokraki are famous for its ginger beer. Rural Corfu at its very best! Those walking in spring will be spoilt by the display of orchids on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator. The walk ends in Spartyllas, where there are several café’s. Sipping a drink you may see the deep blue sea and Albania on the horizon. From Spartyllas a taxi will pick you up and take you to Barbati. 12km/7.45mi, +575m/1886ft, -220m/722ft

Today’s finale takes you to the saddle of the Pantokrator for stunning views of the nearby Albanian mountains. You start at 350m altitude and ascend via old mule tracks and dirt roads to a high saddle. You will come across three mountain villages. Mengoulas is an abandoned village with ruined stone buildings. More interesting is the almost abandoned Byzantine village of Old Perithia, with 6 old churches and a couple of nice taverns. This is a good place to stop for lunch, before making the final descent to the coast. The track runs through a green valley and forest. The very last section along wetlands near the coast is quite spectacular. Your walk ends in Agios Spyridon on Corfu’s northern coast. This is also the very end of the Corfu Trail. From here you will be transferred back to Barbati. 21km/13mi, +400m/1312ft, -750m/2460ft

After breakfast transfer to the airport and departure.